Press release:
The Board of Directors of Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation has announced changes in the leadership of the organization, including the retirement of current President & Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Kane. Kane has been with WROTB for 20 years, the past six in his current position. He will be replaced as president & general counsel by Henry F. Wojtaszek, who current serves as General Counsel for WROTB.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work for an amazing organization that had a vision for Western Region OTB, and had the strength and fortitude to see that vision through,” Kane said. “We’ve seen unprecedented growth in recent years, and I am very pleased with the direction of Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation.”
In replacing Kane, Wojtaszek aims to continue the growth of the organization, while continuing to be an economic catalyst for the region. He will be responsible for the overall supervision and administration of the Corporation, and for the review and implementation of all matters of a legal nature affecting the Corporation.
“It truly is an honor to replace Mike Kane, someone who has done so much for this organization and for this community,” Wojtaszek said. “I’m very excited at the opportunity to work with all of the excellent employees at WROTB to make this organization even stronger.”
In addition, Michael P. Nolan, who currently serves as executive vice president/COO, will become chief operation officer. Nolan’s responsibilities will include determining and implementing the direction and coordination of WROTBC and Batavia Downs Gaming, as well as supervision of the departments of Security, Food & Beverage, Video Gaming and Buildings & Grounds.
“With our recently completed multi-million dollar renovation and a brand new hotel soon to be open, great things are happening at WROTB,” said Nolan, who previously served as the supervisor for the Town of Elma. “Our team is going to continue strive to capitalize on the success we have achieved, and to be the premier gaming facility in the region.”
Scott P. Kiedrowski, who currently serves as the chief of staff for New York State Senator Robert G. Ortt, will be leaving that position to become vice-president of Operations for WROTB. Kiedrowski, who has served on the WROTB Board of Directors for seven years, will be responsible for the direction and supervision of Batavia Downs Gaming Marketing activities, the Purchasing Department and Communications Department.
“Scott has been an integral member of our team and our office,” Ortt said. “We served as fellow elected officials in North Tonawanda where he worked tirelessly on behalf of the City and its taxpayers. That partnership continued with our service to the 62nd Senate District. His leadership and hard work took what could have been a challenging transition for a new Senator – for staff and constituents – and managed it superbly. His day to day presence will be missed, but I know we will continue to possess an excellent relationship – on a professional and personal level – for years to come. I wish Scott and his family well in their next endeavor. He will be an incredible asset for Western New York OTB.”
Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Regional OTB is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 27 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western OTB has generated over $225 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.
